As humans continue to evolve, so will the drive to find more comfort in the pursuits we enjoy. Bicycles now have motorized assists, and clothing even comes with air conditioning. Take a look at many different activities, and you can find some progression of comfort. This growth couldn’t be any more real than for the adventurists living out of fully-customized vans. These mobile sanctuaries (which look inconspicuous from the outside) offer everything you could need to travel – and you can even live a minimal lifestyle! A perfect example of this is Alex Honnold, the famous rock climber, as seen in his movie Free Solo. In a few scenes, he cooks and sleeps in a van modified for someone to live in for an extended period.

As #VanLife is becoming a movement, van enthusiasts (like him), and weekend warriors (like me), are increasing. I was attracted to the idea of upgrading my tent to a vehicle because I hated the annoyances of camping. About five years ago, having been blown over from wind several times, it dawned on me that my tent was beaten up. My air mattress was decorative with excessive patches from inadvertent punctures, which caused slow deflating throughout the night. Each morning, I’d wake up partially swallowed by my mattress. Eventually, I said, “enough is enough,” and sought on a quest to find a van. While hardcore, outdoor enthusiasts who go into the wilderness for a month with just a backpack will scoff at me, I enjoy getting away from civilization without making things harder than they have to be. 

My first van was a retro classic: the Volkswagen Vanagon. I’m not one for construction, but I thought to save myself money, I’d learn how to install hardwood floors, a new stereo system, curtains, and an upgraded bed. With these few alterations, I gained knowledge of installation that carried me through four or five trips around the state. I eventually sold my Vanagon and found an all-wheel drive Astrovan. Built with some more modern features (like automatic windows and seats) this has become my current venture. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m having a lot of fun with this second project.

If you are thinking about getting a van, consider a few things before making the purchase: 

1. Where you want to travel: I hadn’t initially considered, but I realized I have a lot of friends that go off-roading. My first van was not equipped to handle rugged terrain, which is why my second van is all-wheel drive. That may not be necessary for you if you want to take trips to Yosemite or Crater Lake, where you won’t be leaving the pavement. But, keep in mind, it’s not fun driving for hours then getting stuck five miles before your final destination. Additionally, I rarely take trips that last longer than a week, so my van is a little smaller than a traditional camper or RV. 
2. What your travel needs are: What interior features do you need for accommodations? How big of a bed do you need? What will you need for your van to be livable? With a small kitchen, bed, and storage, my van was able to handle shorter adventures. However, if you’re looking to take longer trips or live out of your van long term, being able to stand up and store more is probably more ideal. Also consider if you want a fixer-upper or something equipped with built-in features. For me, learning how to build things was fun, but this can be a daunting task, not to mention requires a lot of time and energy. Decide if you want a project or to hire someone else to handle all of the dirty work.
3. How to incorporate into your everyday life: The first van I bought, unless I was moving something substantial, or traveling, just sat in my driveway for months at a time. My second van has been more incorporated into my life. It’s great to have the ability to throw your mountain bike or surfboard in the back without thinking twice about space.